[Gocamino] last-minute questions

[Grant Spangler]

Dennis,


First of all, everyone arrives in their staring city by mechanized 
transportation. You can get both your Credenciales and the stamp in the 
Catedral de León. Right inside the door on your right is a window with 
someone who will be happy to assist. You might wish to stay in an 
inexpensive hostal in León, since the albergues are, relatively speaking, in 
the boondocks. The cool haps are around the Catedral in the Casco Viejo; 
numerous pedestrian streets and the Spanish night life that goes with them.

Next, León is not that bad a place to leave. It’s rather a matter of walking 
and following the yellow arrows. I see no advantage of leaving town by any 
means besides pedestrian. It’s part of being a pilgrim, anyway. The next 
stop on the RENFE Grandes Lineas is in Astorga, using the Regionales the 
next Camino stop is Villadangos. That’s two day’s and one day’s walk 
respectively. Just walk. You’re a pilgrim.

Breakfast-type comestibles …
They appear in many incarnations, and not exactly what you might think of as 
‘Breakfast in America’.  My favorite are the “Hero Muesly barritas de 
Cereals” for mornings and quick energy  http://www.heromuesly.com .
Nuts (frutos secos) are always a good source of energy, and available in 
candy stores and markets. Yoghurt and milk come in a no-refrigeration-needed 
mode throughout Europe. Look for La Vache Qui Rie little cheese rounds, 
again, no refrigeration is required. Check out the Jamon Iberico in meat 
markets; it’s a cured ham, fabulous flavor, and can survive well without a 
cooler. Go to the panaderia for really great bread, some have a multi-grain 
“pan completo” or “a (fill in number here) cereales”. Fruit travels well.

Shop for your next day’s breakfast, and possibly lunch, the night before. 
Project the probability of finding food along the Way; plan how much food 
and water to carry.  When you DO find a bar open, get your morning caffeine 
fix.  Ask for a “doble con leche”, or even better, a “grande con leche”. 
Coffee in Spain makes Folgers whimper and run for cover.

Good questions; you are already on the Road. Have a great Journey.

Buen Camino,

Grant

Grant Spangler
GASpangler at hotmail.com
http://groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago
http://community.webshots.com/user/ElCaminoSantiago